frugal shopping trip

Today was the last day of the Albertson's Kellogg's deal. Buy 10 items @ $2.50 each and receive $10.00 off. There are two boxes of Rice Krispies and two boxes of Mini-Wheats. I would have spent $15.00 without coupons, but that would have been silly! My total OOP for all the above was $4.75.

Meal Plan Monday

MPM's are going to be rather tough from now on. Hubby is on a diet, son is a picky eater, and I would rather graze than sit down to a big meal.

Monday ~ Fish, mac & cheese, salad

Tuesday ~ Beef Stroganoff, egg noodles, salad

Wednesday ~ Grilled cheese sandwiches, soup, fruit

Thursday ~ Chef salad, homemade bread

Cuppy Cakes

Cupcakes I made for last week's Parent Fellowship Dinner. They were soooo good. Wish I had one now.

RandoM

Student Council Speech

.....for Grandma, and anyone else who may find the writings of a 15 year old boy (he says he's a man) interesting....

Some of you are most likely wondering why should I be voted for student council? What sets me apart from the other candidates? They say that in life, sometimes you have to get knocked down pretty hard to truly open your eyes and see God. That statement is true for my life. I would like to share my testimony.

I was born and raised in a Christian home, attended a Christian school, and was taught in a Christian manner. That doesn't mean I was an "on fire" Christian from the start. Up until 6th grade I was what you would call a "lukewarm" Christian. I struggled deeply with life and its temptations.

I remember waking up one morning crying. God grabbed me and said "enough's enough." Jesus started chipping away the hard stone on my heart and completely changed me. Through all my tribulation I have ultimately become a stronger Christian and grown closer to my Lord and Savior. Since then I have been able to see through my hardships, to see God's greater purpose and glorify Him. He personally told me what He wants of my life, to spread His Word. That is my goal in life. Jesus changed my life. Because of him I am the man I am today.

Now my wish is that I may be an example to my peers and be a leader. I want to assist in leading my school and use the gifts God has given me. God has given me the ability to be able to study scripture and have a deeper understanding of the Word. As well as memorize God's Word and apply it to my daily life. I want to be a pastor, and spread the amazing news of God's love. I truly believe that is God's calling for my life. I strive very hard to not only learn scripture, but to also apply it to become a better rounded Christian. Since 6th grade, I have wanted to spread the good news of Jesus Christ.

Growing up I rarely had the opportunity to show that I had leadership potential. I always thought that I had to wait until I'm older to really make a difference. In 1 Timothy 4:12 it says, "don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." So why wait until I'm older when I can make a difference now? All I ask is that my fellow freshmen will allow me to represent you before the student council.

The vision of VCHS is to "develop a school that cultivates students who faithfully care, serve and give, while possessing a solid work ethic." I have been on three urban mission trips and volunteered numerous times at shelters and food banks. My work ethic is strong, as is my faith. I feel that I can be an example to my peers. I have been playing basketball for four years. I know how to work as a team.

We all have something to teach each other, something to contribute. I would like to contribute my piece as a 9th grade representative. I have always strived to be a man of integrity and live to a higher standard. It is my personal conviction that if we put Jesus and what He would want us to do first, He will reward us. It is my wish to make a difference in this school, to set an example in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity. I ask that my peers will choose me for 9th grade representative.

a Prayer request

I am asking for prayer for both my husband and myself. He saw the doctor on Wednesday and there are some "areas of concern." My husband is a very private person and I will respect his privacy and not reveal anything more.

Please pray that he has peace in the days ahead, as the testing procedures begin. And also, that I may do and say the right things, so as to be a comfort and a source of strength to him.

I love you Feff.....

What I've Learned

I have enjoyed the calm of this past week. I did not realize how immersed I was in the problems of others, until I stepped back. My mother and I talked quite a bit, and she is so wise in so many areas. She reminded me that we all make choices, and where we are today is, for the most part, the result of all our past decisions. My mother has a peaceful, drama free life. She protects that with a vengeance, and now I see why.

I meant well, in trying to help two women in my life. I am married to a godly man, and have a child who is respectful and knows his place. I wanted those things for my friends. Unfortunately that isn't enough, and watching someone put their hand on the same hot stove over and over again is not something I am capable of. I will still worry because that's my nature. I will still pray. I will just do those things from a distance.

Some ENCHANTed Evening

Tonight hubby and I went to the Parent Fellowship Dinner at the school where my son is now a freshman. It was a potluck. We brought chocolate cupcakes with fluffy white icing (dusted off the pastry bag and flower tip). I printed the school logo and glittered the lightning bolt with yellow glitter, and then made picks for each cupcake. I get so excited over my little creative accomplishments.

The school is small. There are 22 kids in the freshman class. Before it was a school, the building was a Moose Lodge. They are still making changes and improvements to the structure. I think they could run this school from a tent, and it wouldn't change the atmosphere of caring and family. What you have in a Christian school is an approach to education that focuses not only on academics, but on the spiritual and emotional growth of each child. They are individuals, each with their own unique strengths and God-given talents. The school partners with the parents to help each child become the person God meant for them to be.

Academically these kids are often two to three grade levels ahead of what the public schools are teaching. Their minds are challenged every day. No one expects straight A's, only that they do their very best. The principal talked about the school's mission and all the non-academic activities students are involved in. Activities designed to teach them to serve with a happy heart. He said, "You can have all the knowledge in the world, but without Christ it doesn't mean very much."

I see my son struggling with all the typical teenage problems and anxieties. Kids are kids, no matter where they go to school. But one of the most wonderful things about this school is how they involve the kids in the world around them. Like a hand gently tapping them on the shoulder, and a voice reminding them, "It's not all about you - what can you do to help someone in need?"

And that's why this evening was ENCHANTed.

Meal Plan Monday

Monday ~ Meatloaf, cheesy bread, salad

Tuesday ~ Parent Fellowship Dinner @ my son's school

Wednesday ~ Soup, grilled cheese sandwiches, fruit

Thursday ~ London Broil, baked potato, corn

Friday ~ Breakfast for dinner

Saturday & Sunday - no clue yet

A Pretty Girl

This is Miss Jessie. I adopted her from the Humane Society after she was found running the streets and no one came to claim her. She is almost 10 years old and very definitely Daddy's girl. She is an IAMS dog. Miss Jessie loves people and most other dogs. But little dogs scare her to death. Little dogs and fireworks can ruin her day.

She is stubborn, quirky, and quite willing to protect her family if need be. She is everything a good German Shepherd dog should be ~ and she is dearly loved.